Peer inside Milwaukee’s new Global Water Center

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MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Milwaukee's new Global Water Center has been open for a week now. But what exactly is going on inside?

The building is part of Milwaukee's developing water research hub. It houses 25 different entities focused on solving various concerns about the world's water supply.

Among the companies in play here is H2OScore, a software company which uses information gathered from water utilities to help anyone paying a water bill.

"Instead of getting a water bill--that you don't understand--that you end up paying too much for--we give you information that lets you track your water use online, save water, and then we partner with local businesses to reward you when you conserve," said McGee Young, founder of H2OScore.

Young explains, those enrolled int he program get a one-penny credit for every gallon of water saved from one year to the next. The credit can be applied at several area businesses -- including Milwaukee's Great Lakes Distillery.

The distillery's founder, Guy Rehorst, says people have already begun cashing in their credits in the distillery's store.

"It definitely helps. A lot of people, I think, would like to conserve, but, frankly, if they don't feel there's enough in it for 'em, they may not do it," said Rehorst.

Young says the H2OScore water conservation program is currently offered in Milwaukee, Grafton, Waukesha and Whitewater. Plans are already underway to expand the program internationally.